The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a scathing critique against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of foisting hardship on Nigerians and desecrating the democratic principles established by the late Chief MKO Abiola.
The opposition party asserts that the current socio-economic challenges faced by the populace are a direct result of the policies implemented by the APC.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the PDP spokesperson lamented that the situation in the country had deteriorated under the APC’s governance, leading to widespread discontent and anger among the citizens.
The party highlighted that the economic strategies and governance failures of the APC have not only stifled economic growth but have also significantly eroded the democratic gains made in past decades.
Furthermore, the PDP claims that the APC has failed to uphold the democratic legacies of Chief MKO Abiola, whose struggle for democracy remains a significant milestone in Nigeria’s history.
According to the PDP, the APC’s actions have betrayed the ideals of justice, fairness, and equity that Abiola championed until his death.
PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, charged Nigerians to use the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day to “speak against the anti-democratic tendencies of the APC which is asphyxiating, inflicting hardship, trampling on the Will and rights of the citizens and seeking to foist a totalitarian system on our nation”.
“It is distressing that our nation is observing the Democracy Day under a system that relishes in brazen violation of the Constitution, election rigging, stifling and manipulation of opposition, muzzling of dissenting voices; undermining the judicial system and other democracy institutions in desperation to turn Nigeria into a one-Party State.
“More disquieting is that all the progress and gains made by successive PDP administrations in entrenching democratic practice in Nigeria have been reversed by the APC administrations.”
The main opposition party said the recent opening of the N21 billion luxury mansion for Vice President Kashim Shettima by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “in a country of collapsing infrastructure; with over 40% unemployment rate; where millions of citizens are literally starving; and where our schools and hospitals lack the basic operation equipment and tools is only a glimpse into the insensitivity, arrogance, impunity and reckless misdirection of resources that pervade the APC administrations.
“Our Party urges President Tinubu to use the occasion of Democracy Day to have a deep reflection on the state of the nation under his watch, especially given the growing public agitation over hunger and high cost of living in the country.
“The PDP again reminds President Tinubu that there is destitution in the land and that the reaction of a hungry people is better imagined. Mr. President should, in keeping with democratic tenets, listen to Nigerians and review policies that are suffocating life in the country.”
PDP said democracy is about the supremacy of the Will of the people, the Rule of Law and the pursuit of the security and wellbeing of citizens, but such ideals have “been completely violated by the APC administrations which leaders have no respect for public opinion but delight in burdening the people through multiple taxes and looting of treasury to finance their luxury appetite while subjecting other Nigerians to a life of fear, uncertainty, despondency and abject poverty.
“It is saddening that instead of celebrating freedom and good governance; the very of essence of democracy which Chief MKO Abiola stood for; Nigerians are in anguish over the exploitive, ill-implemented anti-people policies and programmes of the APC which has weaponized poverty in the country.
“The increase in fuel price and hike in electricity tariff with no corresponding tangible policy or programme directed towards the welfare of the people further show the anti-people stance of the APC administrations.” the statement said.
Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has officially confirmed the date of his wedding with his wife, Chioma.
Naija News reported that celebrity blogger, Stella Dimokokorkus, in a post via her Instagram page on Tuesday, said Davido picked June 25, 2024, for the conduct of their official traditional wedding ceremony.
The news of the traditional wedding between the couple, who recently welcomed twin children together, generated excitement among the family members from both sides.
According to Dimokokorkus, “The News you have been waiting for is here!!! Singer Davido is set to wed Chioma, the mother of his twins in a proper traditional wedding ceremony set to hold at the Eko Hotel in Lagos in 2 weeks time.
“Stella Dimoko Korkus sources say that there is excitement in both families as it would be an event that would bind them in love and strengthen family ties….. The Traditional wedding according to sources will hold on June Twenty fifth twenty twenty four.
“The sources responded to questions on why it has been fixed for this date with ”Only Chioma and Davido know why they picked this date but it is something everyone has been looking forward to happening. CONGRATULATIONS!!!”
Confirming the news, Davido, during his visit to London-based celebrity pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, was heard in a video shared online, telling people about the upcoming wedding.
Watch the video below:
President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to go after attackers of citizens at Dutsin-Ma and Kankara local government areas of Katsina State, and ensure that they were brought to justice.
The President, who strongly condemned the recent spate of attacks in the areas, described the latest attacks as grisly and sinister.
Tinubu, in a statement by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on Tuesday, emphasised that more will be done to secure citizens and completely degrade terrorists and other harbingers of death and sorrow in any part of the country.
He condoled with the families of the deceased, as well as the Government and people of Katsina State, and prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed.
LEADERSHIP recalls that bandits stormed the Yargoje and Kankara areas of Kankara local government area of Katsina State late June 9 and early June 10, killing about 25 residents in the sad incidents.
Residents said an unspecified number of people, including children, remained unaccounted.
The attacks followed a similar incident in the Dutsin-Ma and Safana LGAs of the state between June 4 and 6, during which at least 30 civilians were killed by yet-to-be-identified armed gangs.
[Leadership]
A former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Director of Currency Operations, Ahmed Umar, has disclosed that the immediate past governor, Godwin Emefiele, printed his own design of the naira.
Umar disclosed this while giving evidence at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court sitting in Maitama.
The former CBN director said the features in the design approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari was different from the one Emefiele ordered to be printed.
Umar said, “The design approved by the President had a QR code, which the currency in circulation does not. The positioning of the portrait was on the right side, that printed by the CBN was on the left and the number scheme approved by the President is different from what the CBN produced.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had on May 15, arraigned Emefiele on a four count charge before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the FCT High Court.
Emefiele however denied the charge and was admitted to bail in the sum of N300 million.
[DailyPost]
Diageo, the foreign majority shareholder in Guinness Nigeria Plc, has agreed to sell its controlling equity stake of 58.02 per cent to Tolaram, a Singaporean multinational.
Under the terms of an agreement signed on Tuesday, Tolaram will acquire Diageo’s 58.02 per cent shareholding in Guinness Nigeria and enter into long-term license and royalty agreements for the continued production of the Guinness brand and its locally manufactured Diageo ready-to-drink and mainstream spirits
brands.
By acquiring 58.02 per cent, Tolaram will also undertake a mandatory tender offer to seek to acquire shares held by minority shareholders, in a transaction that could increase the new core investor’s controlling stake.
In a regulatory filing at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the board of Guinness Nigeria indicated that the transaction is expected to be completed in 2025, subject to obtaining the requisite regulatory approvals in Nigeria.
“Diageo remains deeply committed to Nigeria and will retain ownership of the Guinness brand, which will be licensed to Guinness Nigeria for the long-term, enabling the next phase of growth and development of Guinness
Nigeria under the stewardship of Tolaram,” Guinness Nigeria stated.
With a five-decade presence in Africa, Tolaram is one of the largest consumer packaged goods companies on the continent and has forged joint venture partnerships with several leading consumer multinational companies.
Guinness Nigeria noted that in partnership with Tolaram, Diageo will continue to drive the brand and marketing strategy for Guinness in Nigeria, to ensure Diageo’s exceptional capabilities in brand building and innovation
continue to drive long-term growth for Guinness in Nigeria.
According to the plan, following completion of the transaction, Guinness Nigeria will remain listed on the NGX. However, recent acquisitions have led to full takeover and delisted of companies.
Chairman, Guinness Nigeria, Omobola Johnson said the acquisition announcement represents a significant opportunity for the next phase of growth for Guinness Nigeria.
“This partnership brings together Tolaram’s deep expertise in manufacturing and distribution, and Diageo’s exceptional capabilities in brand building and
innovation. I believe this is a winning combination which leaves Guinness Nigeria extremely well placed to drive
further growth in this market,” Johnson said.
Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria, Adebayo Alli, described the announcement as an exciting moment for Guinness Nigeria, its employees and customers.
“I look forward to working alongside Tolaram, which is one of the largest and most respected consumer goods companies in Africa, and I am pleased to note Tolaram’s alignment with Guinness Nigeria’s values and its strong commitment to build an enduring and sustainable business,” Alli said.
Managing Director, Tolaram Africa, Haresh Aswani said the group was thrilled to welcome Guinness Nigeria, a company with such a rich legacy and strong consumer loyalty.
“This strategic move will expand our significant
footprint in the Nigerian market and presents an opportunity to leverage our combined strengths to foster innovation and deliver immense value to our customers and shareholders across the nation,” Aswani said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has formally lodged a complaint with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation regarding allegations of sexual harassment levelled against the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa.
In a letter addressed to the HOCSF dated May 27, 2024, and sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday, Tuggar expressed his concern over the serious nature of the allegation levelled against the permanent secretary by Mrs Simisola Ajayi.
He emphasised the importance of addressing the matter urgently and thoroughly.
The letter was titled, “Re: Official Complaint Regarding Sexual Harassment Of Mrs Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi By Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa (Permanent Secretary Ministry Of Foreign Affairs).”
It read, “I am compelled to write to inform you of a formal complaint against the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa, on allegations of sexual harassment.
“Bearing in mind the gravity of the matter, I feel it necessary to draw your attention to it and ask that you handle it accordingly,”
The letter included an attachment of the complaint received via email, and Tuggar assured the HOCSF his full cooperation in the investigation.
“May I also assure you that I remain available to provide you with any assistance required in discharging your responsibilities,” he added.
The spokesperson for the Ministry, Amb. Eche Abu-Ode, confirmed the development in an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday.
“Yes. The complaint is true,” Abu-Ode said when asked to confirm the authenticity of the letter.
When contacted on the phone for his reaction, Lawuwa declined comment.
“I am in a meeting. Sorry, I cannot talk, please,” he simply said after our correspondent introduced herself and issue she wanted him to react to.
He has also yet to respond to a message sent to his WhatsApp on the matter as of the time of filing this report.
Also, when contacted, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, simply said, “No comment. The matter is being looked into by the relevant authorities.”
Ajayi, had a petition dated May 29, 2024, addressed to Tuggar, accused the permanent secretary of serial sexual harrasment.
Ajayi, through her lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), called for a thorough investigation into the actions of Amb. Lamuwa.
The petition, signed by Adebayo A. Oniyelu LP of Falana & Falana’s, was titled “Request For An Investigation Of Amb. Ibrahim Lamuwa’s Conducts Of Sexual Harassment At The Place Of Work, Abuse Of Office, Official Intimidation And Discrimination.”
According to the petition, Ajayi narrated multiple instances of harassment allegedly by Lamuwa, which have created an unsafe and uncomfortable working environment.
She claimed for instance that during a policy retreat on October 7, 2023, Lamuwa allegedly made inappropriate advances towards her, suggesting she joined him in his hotel room.
He reportedly continued with inappropriate remarks throughout the retreat.
She also cited an incident on November 10, 2023, where Lamuwa allegedly invited Ajayi to travel to Hong Kong, promising significant personal benefits from the trip.
[Punch]
The Naira yesterday depreciated in the parallel market to N1,490 per dollar from N1,470 per dollar last week.
However, the Naira appreciated to N1,483.62 per dollar in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market, NAFEM.
Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM fell to N1,483.62 per dollar from N1,483.99 per dollar last weekend, indicating 37 kobo appreciation for the naira.
The volume of dollars traded in NAFEM fell by 40 percent to $161.69 million from $269.27 million traded Friday last week.
Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NAFEM rates narrowed to N6.38 per dollar from N185.67 per dollar last week Friday.
The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed anger at the mix-up by the Beninoise Football Federation in playing the old Nigeria national anthem before Monday’s FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Abidjan.
NFF’s Head of International Competitions, Dayo Enebi Achor, said the NFF handed a recording of the new national anthem of Nigeria to the Benin FA authorities at the Match Coordination Meeting in Abidjan on Sunday evening.
He said: “We gave them the recording of our new national anthem, only for them to play the wrong one at the beginning of the match. We protested strongly, and insisted that the Super Eagles would not start the second half until the new national anthem of Nigeria was played.”
The Benin FA authorities eventually played the new national anthem of Nigeria before the commencement of the second half of the match.
The match ended 2-1 in favour of Benin Republic, which propelled them to the top of the Group C with seven points from four games.
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has demanded a detailed technical report from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) following the Super Eagles’ poor performances during the June FIFA window.
The Super Eagles managed to secure only one point from a possible six, following a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Uyo and losing 2-1 to Benin Republic in Abidjan in its third and fourth game respectively in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.
These results leave the Super Eagles with a total of just three points from a possible twelve of the four games played thus far in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Senator Enoh expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcomes, especially considering the substantial support the NFF has received from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in addition to the open and positive working relationship between the Ministry and the NFF.
He said, “The recent results are unacceptable. Despite the immense support from President Tinubu and the high expectations of Nigerian football fans, the Super Eagles have underperformed.
“The NFF must provide a comprehensive technical report explaining the reasons behind this poor showing and give cause why there mustn’t be consequences for the disappointment caused both Government and the generality of Nigerians.”
Senator Enoh emphasized that Nigerian football fans demand and deserve answers and accountability from the NFF.
He said: “Our supporters are passionate and devoted. They deserve an explanation for why our national team has not been performing to the expected standards since after the last AFCON.”
If You Can Spend ₦17 Trillion On A Project, Then Any Amount Can Be Paid As Minimum Wage – Lamido To FG
AFOLABI
The former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido has stated that the Nigeria Government is rich enough to afford any amount as the new national minimum wage.
Recall that Organised Labour, which initially demanded ₦494,000, later reduced its demand to ₦250,000, while the government offered ₦62,000.
Amid the ongoing negotiations, state governors had declared that they couldn’t pay the ₦62,000 proposed by the government.
Reacting to the development on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television, Lamido argued that if the government could spend ₦17 trillion for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway without passing through the National Assembly, then it can afford to pay any amount as minimum wage.
He said, “Nigeria is very rich with resources and can overcome any problem and pay any amount we feel is responsible for Nigerians.
“If the government can embark on an N17 trillion project that is not in the budget, not advertised, not tendered for, or did not go through due process, it means that Nigeria got the money.
“How can a government execute a budget of N17 trillion without a budget or passing through the National Assembly, it means the money is there; there is money in Nigeria.
“If they can carry out such a project then they can pay any minimum wage.”
More...
Some passengers travelling along the Maiduguri/Kano highway have been kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
Reports obtained by Naija News on Tuesday morning revealed that the insurgents carried out the abduction between Garin Kuturu and Mannanari village near Auno, which is located along the Damaturu highway, at approximately 5:50 pm on Monday.
Daily Trust quoted a source to have disclosed that the terrorists barricaded the highway and forcibly took away several passengers.
As a result of this incident, numerous travellers and commuters found themselves stranded on both ends of the usually bustling road.
Consequently, many of the commuters were left with no choice but to return to Benishek and Auno, respectively.
“There was an incident between Mannanari and Garin Kuturu where some Boko Haram fighters came out to block the upcoming vehicles and some passengers were abducted.
“We are not sure of the number as we speak but certainly there was an abduction on Monday evening,” the source noted.
Some residents who spoke to journalists on the development narrated how many commercial drivers took refuge in their community momentarily when the insurgents were operating between Garin Kuturu and Mannanari villages.
“They came out with three wheelbarrow and I believe they were looking for food stuff. We don’t know how many people abducted but some commercial drivers came back and later returned to Maiduguri before reinforcement of military arrived,” the residents noted.
A passenger, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters that he, alongside others were stranded for hours.
“We were heading for Kano from Maiduguri when the driver got hinted about the attack and took a detour.
“We have been waiting for the military to clear the road but we don’t know when. We are stranded here,” he said.
Children Of Politicians Spraying Dollars In Parties Is Anti-Democratic – Ex-President Jonathan
AFOLABI
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has said the continuous spraying of foreign currencies like the US dollar during parties is anti-democratic and sends wrong signals in the direction the country’s democracy is headed.
Jonathan stated this on Tuesday while speaking at the 25th Anniversary Democracy Day Public Lecture in Abuja.
Jonathan advised actors to stick to the rule of the game noting that citizens cherish and prefer civilian rule to military rule.
He advised that Nigerian democracy must be protected at all costs and commended the country for 25 years of unbroken democracy.
Details later…
Police Begin Investigation Into Death Of Self-Styled Businessman Ochekwo Wanted In UK, Accused Of Luring Married Woman With N1m
AFOLABI
The Nigeria Police Force said it has commenced a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of self-styled British/Nigerian businessman, Andrew Ochekwo accused of luring a married woman and a young girl with N1m, whose whereabouts have been unknown for the past 45 days.
The official reaction from the police on Monday night followed the controversies and varying narratives surrounding the disappearance of the ladies who left their base in Port Harcourt to visit Ochelwo in Aba, Abia State for the weekend on the condition of paying the said sum.
Since April 27, when the duo left for Aba, their whereabouts have been unknown even as the major suspect was allegedly killed while being transferred in the company of police operatives to Abuja.
The police said, “In light of the public interest and the gravity of the allegations, the IGP has deemed it necessary to institute a meticulous investigation into the roles played by the team which carried out the initial investigation in Abia State, and the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (IGP-IRT), to unravel the veritable facts of the matter.”
“The Monitoring Unit has been given a two-week timeframe to complete its investigation and present a comprehensive report.”
Despite the call to investigate the death of Ochekwo and the disappearances of the ladies, the suspect was reportedly declared wanted by the United Kingdom government in June 2019 over sexual assault on a woman.
He, however, returned to Nigeria and settled in Aba city where he conveniently flaunted his wealth on social media with claims to run a company that recruits people.
Meanwhile, when the said ladies appeared to have been missing, the case was reported to the police in Aba, where Ochekwe was arrested and detained for the possession of the missing ladies’ belongings.
While in detention, the suspect was said to remain mum on the whereabouts of the ladies but had allegedly functioned freely.
He was then transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Aba, then to Umuahia, and then to Abuja following a petition to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun requesting the suspect’s transfer to Abuja.
Sadly, Ochekwo was allegedly gunned down for attempting to escape while en route to Abuja in the company of police officers. Those who allegedly killed him are said to be in police custody.
While many Nigerians have called for a thorough investigation of all parties including the police in Abia State on the matter, his death has also raised eyebrows on the possibility of a syndicate who may have wanted him dead.
Reports revealed that he attempted to escape in Benue State where he was killed, and his body was later deposited in a mortuary.
Residents in the suspect’s vicinity told security operatives during a search operation that a dismembered human was disposed of in a deserted area and covered with a curtain which was later discovered to match the design of curtains at Ochekwo’s apartment.
However, the Nigeria Police has assured that the case will be handled with the utmost professionalism and integrity, urging Nigerians to remain calm and allow the investigation process to proceed without interference.
“Similarly, all persons/groups with relevant information regarding this case are encouraged to come forward and assist with the investigation, and all such information provided will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality, reach us via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and our social media accounts.
“The Nigeria Police Force appreciates the cooperation and support of the public and hereby reassures that timely updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” the police said.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria head coach, Finidi George, has stressed that there is “no special formula for winning” after leading the team to suffer an unexpected 2-1 defeat at the hands of Benin Republic.
Finidi George, who spent over 20 months as the assistant coach of the Super Eagles, was expected to have it easy as the head coach since he is conversant with the team.
However, the former Enyimba of Aba manager has proven to be finding it difficult to come up with a winning strategy for the highly talented and star-studded Super Eagles squad.
Recall that when he served as the interim coach of the Super Eagles in March, he beat Ghana in an international friendly and then lost 2-0 to Mali in another friendly match.
Despite the defeat to Mali, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) deemed him fit for the permanent coaching role.
Under his watch as the team’s head coach, the Nigerian team came from behind to draw 1-1 with South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7.
As if that was not bad enough for Nigeria’s hope of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Finidi George and his boys allowed Benin Republic to come from behind to defeat them 2-1 in Abidjan.
After the defeat, coach Finidi George said: “There is no special formula for winning, we have to see how we can get the best out of the players.
“Everybody must be committed and with that commitment, I believe we will win games and if we can win games, the battle will still be there. We can’t throw in the towel because we have only three points, we have to find a way to get these players back in a way they can perform.”
Note that the Super Eagles of Nigeria are currently sitting in the 5th spot out of 6 teams in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They are four points away from first placed Benin Republic.